Restoring a classic car often involves tackling areas easily overlooked, and the trunk is a prime example. Just like any other part of your vehicle, the trunk is susceptible to dirt, mold, and, crucially, rust. In our project restoring a ’91 BMW 318is, we recently faced the challenge of cleaning and equipping a neglected trunk. While we had already addressed the interior with dash replacement, seat restoration, and carpet cleaning, the trunk was a different beast altogether. It was not just dirty; it was moldy and lacked essential tools.
Our first step was addressing the grime. For heavy-duty cleaning and odor removal, we turned to Auto Shocker (available on Amazon). Before that, a thorough vacuuming and cleaning the trunk panels with Resolve got rid of the initial layer of dirt. The panels weren’t in terrible condition, but the overall state of neglect was quite apparent.
One surprising discovery was the absence of the spare tire and the necessary tools to mount it. Even more frustrating was the missing factory tool kit that BMWs traditionally include. Our junkyard searches for these items proved unsuccessful, highlighting how quickly these tools vanish from salvaged BMWs.
Fortunately, fellow car enthusiasts Al Taylor and Rennie Bryant came to the rescue, generously providing us with spare BMW tools from their collections. Thanks to their help, we were able to gather the essential tools needed for our BMW’s trunk.
While our project focused on cleaning and tool acquisition, trunk rust is a common issue that requires specific tools for effective removal and prevention. If you are dealing with rust in your car trunk, you’ll need more than just cleaning supplies. Here are some essential tools for tackling trunk rust:
- Wire Brushes: Essential for removing loose rust and paint. Different sizes and shapes are useful for various areas.
- Sandpaper: Various grits, from coarse to fine, are needed to smooth out rusted areas after using wire brushes.
- Rust Converter: A chemical treatment that neutralizes rust and creates a paintable surface. This is crucial for preventing rust from returning.
- Primer: Apply after rust converter to seal the metal and provide a base for paint.
- Automotive Paint: Choose a paint color that matches your car or opt for a durable protective coating for the trunk.
- Scrapers and Putty Knives: Helpful for removing thicker rust scale and applying rust converter or filler.
- Safety Gear: Always wear gloves, eye protection, and a respirator mask when working with rust and chemicals.
Having the right tools is the first step in restoring your car trunk and protecting it from further rust damage. Whether you are cleaning out a neglected trunk or undertaking rust removal, investing in these tools will make the job easier and ensure a better outcome for your vehicle.
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